Debutant Cam Mackenzie has earned Hawthorn’s first MVP nod of the season following his impressive maiden performance against Essendon. 

The 18-year-old was a shining light for the Hawks in what was a difficult night, finishing with 18 touches – half of which were contested – at a disposal efficiency of 83.3 per cent.

Level-headed and unassuming, Mackenzie's run and carry throughout the midfield was on full display as he also added seven score involvements and three inside-50s to his name. 

The Pick 7 from last year's draft burst out of the blocks early on Sunday, producing a particular noteworthy first quarter that included eight touches, four contested possessions, two tackles and one clearance, all at a disposal efficiency of 88 per cent.

His eye-catching opening performance follows a solid pre-season which included a superb 24-disposal performance in Hawthorn's narrow practice game loss to Collingwood earlier this month.

Speaking post-game, coach Sam Mitchell said the youngster showed a level of composure and understanding well beyond his experience.

"Frenchie (Mackenzie) had a first game where he stood up and did a few pretty special things," Mitchell said. 

"He's certainly got a bit of composure about him, he does some really nice things with the ball.

"He's still learning the game and has still got some off-the-ball stuff he's got to work on, but I think if you're playing your first game and you have that level of composure and understanding (that's a good sign).

"In the first 10 minutes of the game we couldn't find a mark at all - Essendon had 10 marks before we'd taken one - it wasn't until Cam got it and found someone and it was like 'that's what we needed'.

"So if you get that from a first-gamer, it bodes well for the future of the young man."

Watch Mackenzie's Round 1 highlights against the Bombers below.